§ 25. Mr. Toucheasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the great inconvenience caused to telephone subscribers in the Dorking division of Surrey owing to the long delay in repairing telephone lines damaged by storm; and, if his Department's repair services are inadequate to meet the demand, if he will consider the possibility of using the services of the Army.
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§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI much regret the inconvenience caused to subscribers by the recent storm, and I can assure the hon. Member that repairs are being pushed forward with all possible speed. Of the 37,800 subscribers cut off, service has now been restored to 30,370. The total force now engaged on repairs is as large as can be effectively used. It includes engineers loaned from other areas, as well as assistance from the Army. I should like to say a word of praise for those who are engaged in repairing this damage.